FROM THIRD WORLD TO FIRST is then preaching to the converted. Those who want the economic success of Singapore. It should not be surprising to learn that this book is a big seller in many countries where Singapore is regarded as a model of economic progress. Lee has a following outside his own country and away from the metropolitan countries. His autocratic style of government and economic policies are seen as an appropriate mix for many third world scenarios. The book is written with this audience in mind and Lee is quite clear in stating that the US (government and people) are not his primary concerns; he seems to be saying we can't understand him. "They [us] want to promote democracy and human rights everywhere except where it would hurt themselves as in the oil-rich Arabian peninsula." With this one sentence Lee dismisses the major criticism about Singapore - it's not a democracy. So what? Lee would argue.
Wheras this book is a fairly detailed analysis of Singapore's economic history, and its development strategies as highlighted here are interesting to readers of economic development. Lee is sensitive to criticism and on a broader scale his book is aimed at US and UK audiences. Underlying the economics is an unmistakable political argument - an attempt to justify the human rights abuses, denial of rights and abolishment of freedoms most of us take for granted. Most westerners say Singapore is a lovely country...to visit.
I am glad that FROM THIRD WORLD TO FIRST is simply an interesting distraction and that I was not faced with the reality of the choices - either being made by me or for me - prosperity or freedom. It's something to read about but not to be experienced.
First part is about development of Singapore - social, economic and political. The second part deals with foreign relations.
As an Indian, I truly admire Singapore. From what it was in 1965 to what it is today, is an educating experience. Awesome to most third world nations - fighting poverty, population growth and other social maladies.
Lee Kwan Yew had a clear vision, set himself clear goals. Above all, what led to his success is his execution skills.
Rule of law certainly helped. What I adore is the team he surrounded with to create such laws and ensure its implementation regardless of obstacles.
Singapore is a wealthy society today. Secure economically and politically.
In my observation, he had 3 primary principles towards building a nation
a) Rule of Law
b) creating a fair society (not welfare society)
c) Expenses less than income (as simple as that)
All his domestic policies were based on above principles.
I like the way he treated hawkers in Singapore's streetwalks. While ensuring cleanliness of Singapore, he provided alternative solutions so that hawkers continued their business for livelihood in a better environment. Contrast this to Maharashtra government's (Indian state) efforts in cleaning and sprucing up Mumbai's Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus area. Vendors keep coming back.
Singaporeans enjoy high savings rate, because of CPF. A guaranteed security for its citizens when they retire. Contrast this to America's 401k. When Enron collapsed, savings of many employees evaporated even as executives pocketed millions in bonus pays!
Although Singapore is a free market economy, its philosophy concerning workers and employees are caring and genuine, unlike in the United States.
Singapore is an epitome of benign dictator ship, democracy, capitalism and socialism co-existing for the general welfare of the nation.
Lee's book is a revelation for all countries of the world. The three primary principles can act as a catalyst is resolving problems.
The first part of the book deals with the various projects he initiated or oversaw that changed Singapore. Lee Kuan Yew gives an overview of what he did to deal with those problems facing every developing nation - crime, education, housing, investment etc...
Reading his memoirs, one cannot help but admire this man's moral character and sense of purpose, other leaders of developing nations would do well to learn from this man.
The second part of the book gives Mr Yew's views on nearly every country Singapore has had significant dealings with. His views are, as he himself says on many occasions, not meant to be politically correct. This means that those fluent in 'diplomatese' may find his language crude and some of his views upsetting.
Not surprisingly the last part of the book, which deals with his family and his personal life is very brief. Given the formal tone throughout, it would not be in keeping to speak at length about his own personal life, although no doubt that would be interesting reading.
For those students of economics or politics and for those curious about Singapore or the Asia-Pacific region in general, I would highly recommend this book. The writing is extremely clear and the chapters are arranged in a logical order, (unlike the haphazard ranting in other memoirs) which makes reading a pleasure rather than a pain. Read this book to be inspired.